Running Backs Still Available Not Named LeSean McCoy

This past week, LeSean McCoy made a social media post hinting at a potential return to Philadelphia. DeSean Jackson, and fans alike, entertained the post and now there is speculation that he may once again dawn midnight green. I may be in the minority here but I don’t want any part of Shady back in Philly unless it’s to retire here, of course.

McCoy has compiled 979 yards over the last 2 seasons, averaging a career-low 3.2 yards-per-carry in 2018. Andy Reid himself didn’t even have him dressed for the Super Bowl. I understand a dreadful Buffalo offensive line didn’t make it any easier for him but he is undoubtedly on a steep decline. Even with a committee approach, I’m not sure how beneficial a 32-year-old McCoy would be here.

There are some running backs still available that would be able to contribute right away:

Carlos Hyde

Hyde was incredibly productive for the Texans last season. He played all 16 games and rushed for 1,000+ yards for the first time in his career. Hyde recorded his second-highest rushing average at 4.4 yards/carry and scored 6 TDs. His physical run style and experience would complement the young tandem of Miles Sander & Boston Scott well. I expect Hyde, who turns 30 in September, to be picked up relatively quickly in the second wave of free agency.

Devonta Freeman

The Falcons cut ties with the former two-time Pro Bowler just two years into his 5-year contract. Freeman (28 years old) rushed for back-to-back 1,000+ yard seasons in 2015 and 2016 where he was an instrumental part of Atlanta’s Super Bowl run. Injuries have since caught up to Freeman, missing 16 games over the last 2 seasons. He was only able to run for 656 yards and 2 TDs last season in an Atlanta offense that ranked 30th in the league in rushing. For his career, Freeman has accumulated 5,987 all-purpose yards and 43 TDs as a dynamic pass-catcher in his own right. At full health, Freeman would provide even more versatility to a talented backfield.

Isaiah Crowell

The 27-year-old Crowell missed the entire 2019 season due to a torn ACL that he suffered after signing a 1-year deal with Oakland. Crowell was most productive in his Cleveland days, averaging 4.2 yards/carry with the team during this 4-year span and scoring 22 TDs. He rushed for 952 yards during his best season in 2016 while catching 40 passes for 319 yards. It’s uncertain how much the former New York Jet will be able to contribute after his injury, but Crowell could be a low-risk, high-reward option in the backfield.

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Victor Williams is the host/producer of The Philly Pod on iHeartRadio and leads all Eagles coverage as co-founder of The Liberty Line.

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